From my Grandfather's journal:

From there we went to the Verdun front. We were between Hill 304 and Dead Man’s Hill till the 26thof September when the big drive started.
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Dead Man's Hill:

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Today's news:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/09/2...-meuse-argonne-offensive-100-years-later.html​

 

WWI (or The Great War, as it was known back then) was one of the cruelest and bloodiest wars in all of history:

https://www.historyhit.com/biggest-battles-world-war-one/

 

https://armyhistory.org/fighting-for-respect-african-american-soldiers-in-wwi/

The situation was desperate in France, and with exhausted and dwindling armies, the French begged the United States for men. GEN John Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force, promised them four American regiments. He decided to give them the regiments of the 93d Division since the French, who had used French colonial troops from Senegal, had experience in employing black soldiers in combat. The first African American combat troops to set foot on French soil belonged to the 93d Division. Armed, organized, and equipped as a French unit, the 93d quickly adjusted to their new assignment. Although experiencing some difficulties like language problems, the black soldiers were treated as equals.

My grandmothers brother served with distinction in France during World War I.

Rest all their souls.

 

Here's a beautiful compilation of comparative photographs (yesterday/today) from that era. It's definitely worth a look.

https://interactive.guim.co.uk/embed/2014/apr/image-opacity-slider-master/index.html?ww2-dday

 

https://armyhistory.org/fighting-for-respect-african-american-soldiers-in-wwi/


My grandmothers brother served with distinction in France during World War I.

Rest all their souls.

The French were way ahead of most western countries back then regarding the treatment with dignity and respect to those of African descent.

 

Here's a beautiful compilation of comparative photographs (yesterday/today) from that era. It's definitely worth a look.

https://interactive.guim.co.uk/embed/2014/apr/image-opacity-slider-master/index.html?ww2-dday

Wrong war!

 

The French were way ahead of most western countries back then regarding the treatment with dignity and respect to those of African descent.

True but my uncle never let others stop him from success in America. He was one of my heroes as a child.

From his funeral in 1992.

 

https://armyhistory.org/fighting-for-respect-african-american-soldiers-in-wwi/


My grandmothers brother served with distinction in France during World War I.

Rest all their souls.

I've been following the day-by-day records of my grandfather's service. He was in the 129th Infantry Regiment. From one of my references:

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Any idea what unit(s) your great uncle was with? The 372 was part of the 93rd Division. How bizarre would it be for our relatives to have crossed paths in France 100 years ago?

 

I've been following the day-by-day records of my grandfather's service. He was in the 129th Infantry Regiment. From one of my references:

View attachment 160553
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Any idea what unit(s) your great uncle was with? The 372 was part of the 93rd Division. How bizarre would it be for our relatives to have crossed paths in France 100 years ago?

I don't have much information on his service details. He showed me the Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 a few times when my grandmother would visit but it wasn't something he talked about much.

 

Wrong war!

Ah!!! ... I could've sworn I saw WWI in the site's description!

 

Ah!!! ... I could've sworn I saw WWI in the site's description!

I think he was referring to post #4 images from WWII.

kv

 

Both my Father and Grandfather come home from the 1914-18 war, Fortunately for Me !
Max.

 

Both my Father and Grandfather come home from the 1914-18 war, Fortunately for Me !
Max.

And fortunately for AAC too!

 

I don't have much information on his service details. He showed me the Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 a few times when my grandmother would visit but it wasn't something he talked about much.

Came across this today, which may interest you. I was pleased to see this passage, which matches the history of the 33rd division, particularly my grandfather's 129th infantry unit.

"September 8--Left Hill 304. Relieved by 129th infantry of the 33rd Division. Hiked in rain and mud for Brocourt."
https://ebonydoughboys.org/index-11.html
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I believe it is also possible to look up service records for WW I veterans. You might not even have to be family anymore, since they are all deceased by now. But anyway it should be no problem if you wanted to pursue it.

 

I believe it is also possible to look up service records for WW I veterans. You might not even have to be family anymore, since they are all deceased by now. But anyway it should be no problem if you wanted to pursue it.

In my case there is a British genealogy sites that will research names and records of WW1 veterans.
Max.

 

I hope this documentary becomes available to the U.S. as well.

http://collider.com/peter-jackson-world-war-i-documentary-trailer-they-shall-not-grow-old/

 

https://www.foxnews.com/us/purple-heart-awarded-posthumously-to-world-war-i-soldier-at-fort-jackson

A Purple Heart has been awarded posthumously to a World War I hero wounded on a battlefield in France 100 years ago.

 

From my grandfather's notes and letters home

Got too much gas, in the hospital. Went in on the 17th, my birthday - didn’t celebrate much.
Sick all day and night.
Shelled for 40 days, rained on for 35, but kept Fritz going just the same.
Our Captain was wounded and also one of our First Lieutenants was hit with a machine gun bullet, and the other with a shell.
I was at evac at Soues. [We haven't figured out where this might have been. There are two towns called Soues in France but neither makes sense.]

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For an excellent and short overview:

Then take a few minutes to watch this:

 

For an excellent and short overview:

Then take a few minutes to watch this:

Excellent videos indeed ... thanks for posting!